Uniform laundering kit

ABSTRACT

A uniform laundering kit includes Velcro® loop backed laundering patches adapted for use as attachments during laundering of a uniform to Velcro® hook areas sewn onto the uniform and a Velcro® hook surfaced sheet adapted for attachment with and storage of said Velcro® loop backed laundering patches not being used in uniform laundering. A patch storage wallet can include the Velcro® hook surfaced sheet, at least one Velcro® loop surfaced sheet adapted for attachment to and storage of Velcro® hook backed service patches during uniform laundering. The patch storage wallet can also include storage compartment adapted to contain loose articles.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION

The present invention claims priority as a continuation to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/027,791, entitled “Uniform Laundering Kit,” filed Feb. 11, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally related to the field of uniform maintenance. More particularly, the present invention is related to a system, product and methods for the prevention of military uniform wrinkling during laundering where complimentary hook and loop fastening materials (i.e., Velcro®) sewn onto military uniforms today are becoming attached during machine washing/drying cycles causing wringing of uniform(s), and therefore, unwanted wrinkling of the uniforms. Furthermore, the present invention is related to a system, product and methods to prevent the loss of Velcro®-backed removable military uniform patches (“service patches”) while they are removed from uniforms for uniform laundering

BACKGROUND

The recently designed uniforms now in use by members of the U.S. Army include “hook and loop” fastening material, commonly referred to as “Velcro®”. Velcro® is a trademark owned by Velcro Industries B.V., a Netherlands Limited Liability Company. The U.S. Army refers to its version of the new uniform as the Army Combat Uniform (abbreviated “ACU”). Other branches of military have also recently introduced their own version of combat uniform, some with Velcro®).

The “hook” portion of Velcro® is commonly known for its rigid comb, or teeth-like, texture which is adapted to adhere to complimentary material in the form of soft nylon “loops”. Hooks and loops are typically sewn onto opposite portions of an article of clothing to replace the need for buttons or zippers. Velcro® is a very versatile fastening system that has found its way onto a multitude of products from children's clothing to its use for commercial and industrial fastening applications.

Currently, the ACU uniform incorporates twenty upgrades from the previous military uniform. The current ACU jackets include the addition of thirteen Velcro® loop material sections and eight Velcro® hook material sections. Referring to the photograph provided in FIG. 1, and labeled as “prior art”, an ACU 10 is illustrated as it is worn on a soldier. As shown in FIG. 1, areas of Velcro® loop material are sewn onto outer areas of the ACU jacket's 50 sleeves 15 and pockets 20. These Velcro® loop sections are used to accept military patches backed with Velcro® hook material, which are used to display a military service member's branch affiliation, last names, unit patches, skill tabs, and recognition/awards, etc. Velcro® hook sections are also sewn onto hidden areas of the ACUs, in particular: under-collar areas 25 (referred to as the “Mandarin collar”), within pockets 30 and within the front closure 35 of the ACU jacket 50.

With respect to particular placement and dimensions of Velcro® material on the ACU, military member's branch distinguishing insignia tape is worn immediately above, and parallel to the top edge of the left breast pocket of the ACU jacket 50. Individual's last name is worn immediately above, and parallel to the top edge of the right breast pocket of the ACU coat 10. Two (2) 5 inch×1 inch Velcro® loops are sewn on coat garment for branch insignia and individuals last name. Two (2)—4 inch×6½ inch Velcro® loops are sewn and centered 2½ inches below arm to shoulder connection on both the left and right shoulder. One (1)—3 inch×1½ inch Velcro® loop and hook is sewn on the coat collar. One (1)—2 inch by 2 inch Velcro® loop is sewn on outer coat garment 3 inches below intersection of left and right collar for individual's rank. Three (3)—1 inch×2 inch Velcro® loop and hook sections are sewn on the inside of the left and right front garment evenly spaced at overlap. Two (2)—2 inch×1½ inch Velcro® hooks are sewn on the wrist sections of the coat garment. Two (2)—8 inch×1½ inch Velcro® loops are sewn on the wrist sections of the garment directly opposite of the Velcro® hooks. Two (2) ½ inch×1¼ inch hook sections are sewn on the top centered of the Velcro loops sewn on the left and right shoulders.

What is unfortunate about the use of Velcro® material sewn directly onto ACUs for use in temporary attachment of military patches is that laundry services, military members, and spouses involved in the process of laundering ACUs are faced with the same problems—how to prevent the loss of patches when removed from ACU jackets during laundering and how to retrieve the ACU from a laundering machine without the 6 (six) exposed Velcro® hook material sections adhering to any one of the thirteen (13) Velcro® loop material sections sewn onto the ACU, or to other Velcro®-bearing clothing articles that might be laundered with the ACU. Laundry services, individuals, and spouses have experienced frustration each and every time they retrieve the ACU jacket from a laundering device. The six Velcro® hook material sections can become attached to any of the thirteen Velcro® loop material sections. When the ACU jacket is retrieved from a washing machine or dryer, it may be in a wringer state with many wrinkles formed thereon and requiring a level of effort to disengage the Velcro® loops from the Velcro® hooks. The ACU will oftentimes appear wrinkled when worn after it has become wringed during laundering because it is not supposed to be pressed or starched.

After the ACU had been laundered, a service member must place the Velcro®-backed military patches back onto the ACU jacket; unfortunately, service members may lose the previously removed service patches during laundering of the ACU. If not lost, the service member may still lose valuable time and become frustrated if a service patch has become temporarily misplaced during the laundering process.

The present inventors have developed a system and methods for overcoming the forgoing problems by providing a uniform laundering kit that can prevent the loss of service patches and held prevent uniform wrinkling caused by attachment of Velcro® hook and loop material sewn onto the ACU during laundering.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

In accordance with features of the present invention, a Uniform Laundering Kit can be provided that includes Velcro® loop backed laundering patches for use in attachment to Velcro® hook areas sewn onto a uniform during laundering of the uniform.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a Velcro® hook sheet can be provided as part of the Uniform Laundering Kit for attachment with and storage of the Velcro® loop backed laundering patches when they are not in use during laundering of an ACU.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the Uniform laundering Kit can include a patch storage wallet including at least one Velcro® hook surfaced sheet for storage of Velcro® loop backed laundering patches when ACUs are not being laundered and at least one Velcro® loop surfaced sheet for storage of Velcro® hook backed military patches while ACUs are being laundered.

In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, a patch storage wallet can include a storage compartment adapted to contain and store loose items (e.g., money, identification, pin on medals, etc.).

In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the patch storage wallet can include a closing means (e.g., zipper, Velcro® strap, Zip Lock® closure) adapted hold the patch storage wallet closed and secure contents held within the patch storage wallet.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, Velcro® loop laundering patches are made to at least match or to be slightly larger than the dimensions of the six (6) corresponding exposed Velcro® hook sections sewn onto ACUs and can be attached to these Velcro® hook section prior to ACU laundering.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, upon retrieval from a laundering device (e.g., a dryer or a washing machine if ACUs are hang dried), the 6 (six) Velcro® loop sections can be removed by a pull tab integrated with the Velcro® loop sections and can be stored in a Velcro® hook surface that can be provided as a separate sheet or as a sheet or surface within a patch storage wallet including at least one Velcro® loop sheet/page/surface therein.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, military uniform patches including Velcro® hook backing sewn thereon that are removed from the ACU for laundering can be attached to Velcro® loop pages of the ACU patch storage wallet wherein the patches are safely kept together in the until laundering of the ACU uniform is completed, where after the military patches can be removed from safekeeping in the ACU patch storage wallet and placed back onto the ACU prior to its use by the service member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1, labeled as “Prior Art”, is a photograph of the Army combat Uniform (ACU) with known Velcro® hook and loop areas identified thereon;

FIGS. 2-4 illustrates aspects of a laundering patch in accordance with features of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates components of a uniform laundering kit including at least one laundering patch backed with Velcro® loop backed material and a laundering patch storage sheet covered with Velcro® hook backed material and adapted to secure laundering patches thereon, in accordance with features of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates components of a uniform laundering kit including at least one Velcro® loop backed laundering patch and a laundering patch storage sheet including a Velcro® hook surface installed within a patch storage wallet, the storage wallet including at least one sheet of Velcro® loop material adapted for attachment of Velcro® hook backed patches, in accordance with additional features of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates Velcro® hook backed military patches securely attached to the Velcro® loop surface of at least one sheet within the patch storage wallet shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with features of the present invention;

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate external top, bottom and side views of the patch storage wallet illustrated in FIGS. 6-7;

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein a storage compartment is provided inside the patch storage wallet illustrated in FIGS. 6-12, wherein loose items (e.g., coins, cash, medals, identification) can be securely contained; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram for methods of using the uniform laundering kit in accordance with features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, features of a laundering patch 50 are illustrated. Aspects of a laundering patch 50 in accordance with features of the present invention include a fabric surface layer 52, a Velcro® loop surface layer 56 opposite the fabric surface 52 and a pull tab 57. The pull tab 57 can be made of heat tolerant rubber or plastic material and can include a main body portion 54 provided in the form of a layer adapted to be integrated between the fabric surface layer 52 and Velcro® loop surface layer 56. Integration can be provided where the main body portion 54 of the pull tab is sewn in-between the fabric surface layer 52 and the Velcro® loop surface layer 56. It can be appreciated following this teaching and the teaching that follows that the pull tab 57 and its main body portion 54 can also replace the fabric surface layer 52, in which case the Velcro® loop surface layer can be sewn or attached directly to the pull tab main body 54.

Referring to FIG. 5, components of a uniform laundering kit 100 are illustrated. A uniform laundering kit 100 can include at least one laundering patch 50 backed with Velcro® loop backed material and a laundering patch storage sheet 110 covered with Velcro® hook material as its surface and adapted to secure laundering patches 50 thereon, in accordance with features of the present invention. Preferably, enough laundering patches 50 will be provided as part of a uniform laundering kit 100 so that a military service member can launder at least two uniforms at a time within cloths washing equipment. FIG. 5 illustrates twelve laundering patches 50, which would be enough laundering patches 50 to launder at least two ACUs.

FIG. 6 illustrates components of a uniform laundering kit 200 in accordance with additional features. The uniform laundering kit 200 shown in FIG. 6 can include at least one uniform laundering wallet 250 and at least one Velcro® loop backed laundering patch 50. The uniform laundering wallet 250 can include a laundering patch storage area 230 including a Velcro® hook surface material and at least one military patch storage area 220 including a Velcro® loop surface material. The Velcro® loop surface material of the military patch storage area 220 is adapted for the attachment of Velcro® hook backed military patches for storage during uniform laundering. The Velcro® hook surface material of the laundering patch storage areas 230 is adapted for the attachment and storage of laundering patches 50 when not in use during uniform laundering, in accordance with additional features of the present invention.

It should be appreciated that adequate room for military patch storage can be provided in the form of military patch storage areas 220 provided in the wallet 250, additional military patch storage areas including Velcro® loop surface material. As shown in FIG. 6, at least one page 210 including Velcro® loop surface material can be attached to the spine area of the wallet 250. The page 210 can include reinforcing material 215 to provide strength to the page 210. It can also be appreciated that cardboard or other firm material (not shown) can be place within surface areas to provide a firmer surface on which to attach and temporarily hold military patches. A closing means can be provided in the form of a zipper, Velcro® strap, buttoned strap, etc., to keep the uniform laundering wallet 250 closed when its contents are not being accessed by the user. Although various forms of closure are known, an exterior zipper 240 is shown in FIG. 6 and can be formed along the entire opening of the uniform laundering wallet 250 to enable full closure of the wallet for more security over contents being held inside the uniform laundering wallet 250 when it is closed.

Referring to FIG. 7, an example is illustrated wherein more space necessary for storage of military-related patches. As shown in FIG. 7, a branch of service patch 81, service member name patch 82, and unit patch 83 are attached to a Velcro® loop surface area 221 within the wallet 250. Additionally, another miscellaneous patch 85 is shown attached to a page 210 bearing a Velcro® loop surface area 222 thereon. A Velcro® hook surface area 230 is shown again, but without the laundering patch 50, because it can be assumed that laundering patches are being used on uniforms undergoing laundering.

Referring to FIGS. 8 through 12, perspective, side and top views of a military laundering kit 200 in accordance with features of the present invention are illustrated. A zipper handle 240 and zipper teeth 245 are shown in the perspective view with the military laundering kit in closed form. The outer surface 270 of the military laundering kit 200 can be provided in a variety of materials, colors or patterns offering durability to users. Subdued colors or patterns, although a likely choice for military applications, may not be preferred if easy identification of the kit's location among other subdued items is desirable,

FIG. 13 illustrates another feature that would be useful to service members. A military laundering kit 300 in the form of a wallet is illustrated in FIG. 13. The military laundering kit 300 includes a storage compartment 320, which can be provided in the form of a closed by a zipper 340 to facilitate the safekeeping of loose contents held within the compartment. Material for the compartment 320 can be provided in the form of clear durable plastic in order to facilitate ease of viewing what is contained therein by a user. It should be appreciated that alternate means for keeping the compartment closed to contain loose articles can include a Velcro® flap, or well known Ziploc® fastening technology. Ziploc® was originally developed by Dow Chemical Company and is a registered trademark owned by S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. a Delaware Corporation. Examples of the types of loose contents that would likely be kept within the compartment include loose change (typically needed for coin laundry facilities), user/owner identification, and medals removed from a uniform.

Referring to FIG. 14, a flow diagram 400 of a likely method for using the uniform laundering kit described herein is illustrated. As shown in block 410, the first step is to obtain a uniform laundering kit including a Velcro® hook sheet and Velcro® hook-backed laundering patches secured to the Velcro® hook sheet. Then as shown in block 420, Velcro® loop backed laundering patches are removed from a Velcro® hook sheet and installed onto Velcro® hook areas sewn onto a uniform. Velcro® hook-backed service patches are then removed from Velcro® loop areas of the uniform and the service patches are secured the a Velcro® loop sheet included in the uniform laundering kit for storage during uniform laundering, as shown in block 430. As shown in block 440, after uniform laundering is completed, Velcro® loop backed laundering patches are removed from the Velcro® hook areas on the uniform and are returned to the uniform laundering kit for storage on a Velcro® hook sheet. Then as shown in block 450, Velcro® hook backed service patches are removed from the Velcro® loop sheet in the uniform laundering kit and the service patches are placed onto Velcro® loop areas on the uniform. Finally, as shown in block 460, the uniform laundering kit is stored until it is required again for uniform laundering.

The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the scope of the following claims. It is contemplated that the use of the present invention can involve components having different characteristics. It is intended that the scope of the present invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, giving full cognizance to equivalents in all respects. 

1. A uniform laundering kit, including: Velcro® loop backed laundering patches adapted for use as attachments during laundering of a uniform to Velcro® hook areas sewn onto the uniform; and a Velcro® hook surfaced sheet adapted for attachment with and storage of said Velcro® loop backed laundering patches not being used in uniform laundering.
 2. The uniform laundering kit of claim 1, further comprising a patch storage wallet including said Velcro® hook surfaced sheet and at least one Velcro® loop surfaced sheet adapted for attachment to and storage of Velcro® hook backed service patches during uniform laundering.
 3. The uniform laundering kit of claim 1, further comprising a patch storage wallet including said Velcro® hook surfaced sheet and a storage compartment adapted to hold loose article.
 4. The uniform laundering kit of claim 1, further comprising a patch storage wallet including said Velcro® hook surfaced sheet, at least one Velcro® loop surfaced sheet adapted for attachment to and storage of Velcro® hook backed service patches during uniform laundering, and a patch storage wallet including said a Velcro® hook surfaced sheet and a storage compartment adapted to hold loose article.
 5. The uniform laundering kit of claim 2, said patch storage wallet further comprising a storage compartment adapted to hold loose article.
 6. The uniform laundering kit of claim 1, further comprising a patch storage wallet including said a Velcro® hook surfaced sheet and further comprising a storage compartment adapted to hold loose article.
 7. The uniform laundering kit of claim 6, said patch storage wallet further comprising at least one Velcro® loop surfaced sheet adapted for attachment to and storage of Velcro® hook backed service patches during uniform laundering.
 8. A uniform laundering kit, including: a patch storage wallet; a Velcro® hook surfaced sheet adapted for attachment with and storage of Velcro® loop backed laundering patches used for uniform laundering; and at least one Velcro® loop surfaced sheet adapted for attachment to and storage of Velcro® hook backed service patches during uniform laundering.
 9. The uniform laundering kit of claim 8 further comprising a storage compartment adapted to hold loose article.
 10. The uniform laundering kit of claim 8 further comprising at least one Velcro® loop backed laundering patch adapted for use as attachments during laundering of a uniform to Velcro® hook areas sewn onto the uniform.
 11. The uniform laundering kit of claim 9, further comprising at least one Velcro® loop backed laundering patch adapted for use as attachments during laundering of a uniform to Velcro® hook areas sewn onto the uniform.
 12. The uniform laundering kit of claim 10, further comprising a storage compartment adapted to hold loose article.
 13. The uniform laundering kit of claim 8, further comprising a closing means adapted to keep said patch storage wallet closed.
 14. The uniform laundering kit of claim 9, further comprising a closing means adapted to close said patch storage wallet.
 15. The uniform laundering kit of claim 10, further comprising a closing means to close said patch storage wallet.
 16. The uniform laundering kit of claim 11, further comprising a closing means adapted to close said patch storage wallet.
 17. The uniform laundering kit of claim 12, further comprising a closing means adapted to close said patch storage wallet.
 18. A method of laundering a uniform comprised of Velcro® hook and loop areas sewn thereon, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a uniform laundering kit including a Velcro® hook sheet and Velcro® hook-backed laundering patches secured to the Velcro® hook sheet; remove Velcro® loop backed laundering patches from the Velcro® hook sheet and install the Velcro® loop backed laundering patches onto Velcro® hook areas sewn onto a uniform including Velcro® hook and loop areas sewn thereon; and remove Velcro® hook backed service patches from Velcro® loop areas on the uniform and secure the Velcro® hook backed service patches to the Velcro® loop sheet for storage during uniform laundering.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of: remove the Velcro® loop backed laundering patches from the Velcro® hook areas on the uniform after uniform laundering is completed and return the Velcro(® loop backed laundering patches to the uniform laundering kit for storage on a Velcro® hook sheet; remove Velcro® hook backed service patches from the Velcro® loop sheet in the uniform laundering kit and place the Velcro® hook backed service patches onto Velcro® loop areas on the uniform; and store the uniform laundering kit until it is required again for uniform laundering. 